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Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars

Delicious Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars You'll Crave Daily

These Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Bars are moist, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Provides structure to the bars.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adds a cozy, warming spice.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Contributes a hint of earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures a light, airy texture.
  • 1 large Egg Binds ingredients together.
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter Creates a tender crumb.
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Carrots Adds moisture and nutrition; freshly grated is preferred.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
  • 8 ounces Softened Cream Cheese Provides a creamy, tangy swirl.
  • 1 large Egg Yolk Adds richness to the cream cheese mixture.
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the cream cheese swirl.

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sifter

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with non-stick aluminum foil.
  2. Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a bowl for 1 minute and allow it to cool slightly.
  3. In the bowl with melted butter, whisk in 1 large egg, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Sift in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; gently stir until just combined.
  5. Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated carrots gently using a rubber spatula.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 egg yolk, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until smooth.
  7. Pour the carrot batter into the baking pan, spread it evenly and dollop the cream cheese mixture on top; swirl gently with a knife.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for optimal moisture and sweetness; avoid overmixing to keep the bars light and airy.

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